China donates $7 million to South Sudan

South Sudanese President Salva Kiir (left) meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping (right) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing ahead of 2018 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, August 2018. Photo: Xinhua/Yao Dawei

Juba, January 3, 2019 (SSNA) — China has donated $7 million dollars to the United Nations to help the agency purchase food for South Sudanese in need of food, according to a joint statement seen by the South Sudan News Agency (SSNA).

In the text, Chinese Ambassador to South Sudan He Xiangdong says his country stands with the people of the war-ravaged young nation and committed to helping South Sudanese government and aid organization in their effort to provide food to those in need.

“China will stand with the people of South Sudan at this time of food crisis. This new contribution is part of our commitment to support the efforts by the government of South Sudan and humanitarian agencies to provide adequate food to South Sudanese facing hunger,” the ambassador explains.

In response, the UN World Food Programme (WFP), which received the donation states that it is pleased for the Chinese donation, saying the money will be used to buy pulses, rice, and other commodities for food rations and school meals.

“The Chinese contribution came at a critical time when WFP is appealing for more resources to respond to increasing needs. In particular, the support to our school meals activity is an invaluable investment in the next generation and the country’s overall development,” WFP country director Adnan Khan said.

In December 2018, the United States, the biggest donor said it ended its financial support to South Sudan, accusing the country’s leaders of being “morally corrupt.” The US also threated to use other means to punish anyone who impedes the ongoing peace process in the country and warned of consequences.

The South Sudanese government later accused the United States of working against peace days after the termination of aid was announced.

China is the top oil investor in South Sudan and has UN peacekeepers in South Sudan including other Chinese-run projects in some parts of the country.